In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie continue their discussion of Ryan's recent river cruise experience with AmaWaterways on the Romantic Danube itinerary. After covering the pre-cruise stay and initial impressions in the previous episode, they dive deeper into the dining experience, daily excursions, and how the cruise line handles unexpected situations.

Dining Experience on AmaWaterways

• Breakfast: Combination of menu items (omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes) and buffet options including English breakfast and pastries
• Lunch: Menu-based with regionally-inspired options, including sandwiches, soups, and hot main dishes
• Dinner: Full menu service with regionally-based cuisine reflecting the sailing locations
• Chef's Table: Complimentary specialty dining experience in a separate venue with a chef preparing meals in front of guests
• Unlimited beer and wine included with lunch and dinner
• Late night snacks available in the lounge around 10 PM
• Flexible dining options for various preferences, with "always available" menu items like steak, chicken, and salmon

Itinerary and Port Highlights

• Technical issues required modifications to the schedule, with AmaWaterways providing bus transportation to destinations
• Wachau Valley: Though initially missed due to ship issues, the cruise was rerouted to allow passengers to sail through this beautiful Austrian valley
• Dürnstein, Austria: Known for apricots, offering tastings of various apricot products
• Melk Abbey: A gorgeous architectural complex with monks still in residence
• Vienna, Austria: Ryan toured the vibrant city on Palm Sunday
• Bratislava, Slovakia: Surprisingly Ryan's favorite stop, offering the perfect blend of small village charm and modern city amenities
  • Walking tour through the old town
  • Beer garden with Slovakian beer tastings
  • Local pastries and ice cream (including fig flavor)
  • Shopping opportunities at both traditional shops and modern malls
• Budapest, Hungary: Sailing into Budapest and seeing the Parliament building along the Danube
  • Tours of both Buda (old town, castle area) and Pest sides
  • Visit to the Jewish memorial shoes along the Danube
  • Easter market with food, music, decorations, and gifts

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional level of service throughout the cruise
• Variety of experiences available even with similar excursion types
• River cruising allows

Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)!
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Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they discuss Ryan's recent river cruise experience on AmaWaterways' Romantic Danube itinerary. In this episode, Ryan shares the first part of his journey, including his pre-cruise adventures in Munich, Germany, and his initial experiences aboard the ship.

Episode Highlights:

• Ryan participated in AmaWaterways' "Seminar on the River" program, combining a typical river cruise experience with special training sessions for travel advisors
• The cruise sailed from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary on a 7-night journey
• Ryan discusses his pre-cruise stay in Munich, including hotel selection strategies and a food and beer walking tour
• Detailed insights about logistical considerations: currency exchange, phone service, language barriers, and jet lag management
• Transportation from Munich to the embarkation point in Vilshofen via train
• The welcoming experience on the ship, including a special Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the town of Vilshofen
• Port visits to Passau, Germany and Linz, Austria, with excursion options including Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic
• Discussion of AmaWaterways' included excursions and how they're organized into different activity levels (gentle, regular, and active)
• Ryan's experience traveling solo and how river cruising naturally facilitates making connections with other travelers

AmaWaterways River Cruise Insights:

• Excursions are included in the cruise fare (with one exception in Vienna)
• Options to book pre/post cruise extensions in destinations like Prague
• The logistics of booking air through the cruise line and transfer considerations
• How excursions are organized into small groups for a more intimate experience
• Why river cruising works well for solo travelers

Stay tuned for the next episode where Ryan will continue sharing his Danube River cruise experience, including shipboard life, dining, and more port adventures!

Whether you're considering a river cruise or just curious about European travel, this episode offers valuable insights about planning, logistics, and making the most of your adventure.

Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)!
Check out the details: https://forms.gle/Jpikq82XPQS63v5N8

Visit our website, allthingstravelpodcast.com, for freebies and more podcast info!



Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie break down the complexities of Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) at Walt Disney World, offering expert advice for travelers planning their magical dining experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Advanced Dining Reservations can be made 60 days before your check-in date
• On-site resort guests can book dining for entire trip; off-site guests book one day at a time
• Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
• Some popular restaurants book up quickly and require strategic planning

When and How to Make Reservations

• Timing: 60 days before check-in date
• Time: Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
• Pro Tip: Log in to My Disney Experience app by 5:50 AM
• Recommended Strategy: Book most sought-after restaurants towards the end of your trip

Reservation Tips for Large Groups

• For parties larger than 6 people, split reservations into two groups
• Use separate My Disney Experience logins
• Try to book tables around the same time
• Restaurants are usually accommodating about seating groups together

Disney Dining Plan Options

Two primary dining plan tiers:

1. Quick Service Plan
   • One quick service meal credit per night
   • One snack credit per night
   • Refillable resort mug
2. Table Service Dining Plan
   • One table service credit
   • One quick service credit
   • One snack credit
   • Refillable resort mug

Dining Plan Highlights

• Credits are per night of stay, not per day
• Some character meals may require two credits
• Alcohol and specialty drinks included
• Gratuity not included
• Children under 3 eat free

Recommended Restaurants by Park

Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella's Royal Table (for princess fans)
• Liberty Tree Tavern (family-style comfort food)
• Skipper Canteen (unique theming)

Epcot

• Via Napoli (excellent wood-fired pizza)
• Space 220 (unique dining experience)

Hollywood Studios

• Roundup Rodeo Barbecue (Toy Story themed)
• Hollywood Brown Derby (signature dining)

Animal Kingdom

• Tusker House (character dining)
• Yak and Yeti (diverse menu options)

Pro Tips

• Link resort reservations and tickets to My Disney Experience
• Have a credit card ready to guarantee reserv

Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)!
Check out the details: https://forms.gle/Jpikq82XPQS63v5N8

Visit our website, allthingstravelpodcast.com, for freebies and more podcast info!



Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!